Preston's Levi Barnes wins gold for England at Three Nations

Levi Barnes won the 44.5kg category as England got the better of Wales and Scotland in the GB Schools Three Nations in Cardiff at the weekend.

Already a national schoolboy champion, the 13-year-old from Ingol had to win two contests at the Sport Wales National Centre to pick up another major honour.

First up on Friday, Barnes won a unanimous decision against Wales’ Rio Waters 5-0.

The multi-time North West champion used his array of skills to take his place in the final, switching attack from head to body as he impressed the judges and scored well.

Barnes, attached to Sharpstyle Boxing Club in Blackpool, took the gold on Saturday with a split decision victory over another Welsh youngster, William Bennett.

A tight affair went the Preston youngster’s way 3-2, Barnes countering well to catch the eye of the judges and come out on top.

Barnes first started kickboxing at the age of eight and attended JR Gym, in Strand Road, Preston and then focused entirely on boxing at the age of 10.

England finished top of the medal table with 10 golds, two silvers and two bronzes as the English Schools champions took on the best from Wales and Scotland.

Another gold medalist was Morecambe’s Nelson Birchall.

Also a Sharpstyle prospect, Birchall won gold in the 38.5kg category.